Anybody?

Hi

Thank you so much for your reply.  Strangely I have been more positive since being diagnosed with cancer than I was waiting for results.  And cancer chat has been a god send, be it for my own information or being able to help others.

I will ring ENT on Monday.   Do you think I will be able to drive after the biopsy?  I appreciate all biopsies are different.   With the present covid situation I really don't want a taxi or a lift.  The cancer is on my left and I  drive an automatic.   

Do you mind me asking a couple of questions?  Of course I totally appreciate if you do not want to answer.  Simply writing this is a weird kind of therapy. 

Oops already asked my first question about driving. 

2nd, how soon did you get your results after biopsy?  I ask this as I haven't told immediate family, other than my wife, of my positive diagnosis.  Trying not to until I know what cancer it is and the size, spread, treatment plan etc.  Obviously hoping its under 4cm and confined to my tonsil,  then its just a day surgery and no one need know.

3rd and the most intrusive is how did your full biopsy go, what was the diagnosis?  I  ask because I'm interested in you and how you're getting on.  Everyone is different,  so all results will be different. 

Sorry for all the questions,  I  hope they haven't made you regret answering me initially. 

Thank you again x

Hello,

You're welcome. Im glad to hear you are feeling more positive, the waiting around for a diagnosis is definately the worst part- feels like you are sat in limbo.

I'm more than happy to answer you questions, although my experience seems quite different to yours!

1) If you are having the biopsy under a general anesthetic they will not allow you to drive. Best to double check this asap. 

2) My results tooks a fairly long time to come back (over a month) but it really varies depending on the case. I am unsure how COVID is affecting these timescales at the moment! I always go by the no news is good new mantra- if its something very serious they will be in touch asap.

3) My biopsy actually came back as having no malignant cells. It was abit of a rollarcoaster of a diagnosis. Originally went in for suspected Lymphoma, and had a fine need biopsy. This showed abnormal cells so they did a full biopsy however this came back clear. In the end my neck lump was only a reactive lymph node and it turned out this was caused by an autoimmune disease which i am now being treated for.

Hope that helps- i get how much it helps to talk. I'm also going through a skin cancer scare at the moment so this chat is a lifesaver. 

Chloe x

Hi Chloe

Thank you so much for being so open with me and taking the time to reply.  Can't believe your luck going through yet another cancer scare.  Hats off to your positivity. I hope your autoimmune disease doesn't affect your every day life too much.

I  had an MS scare a few years ago, lost my businesses because of it.  Happened I had a rare brain disorder which has exactly the same ongoing symptoms.   Bit of a double edged sword as it's not MS you really have to fight for every bit of help.  Although I think all that fight has positively put me in a better position for this new battle. 

I did find it strange that,  after reading about all the tests that they do to confirm cancer,  followimg the initial doctor appointment I only saw ENT and had a CT Scan and they confirmed cancer.   

Head of ENT called me on New Years Eve to tell me.  Very apologetic it was over the phone, but to be honest I'd rather that than be called in to be told.   He even ummed and arred about me still having a ultrasound and MRI this week.  Although, that may be more because they want me to shield prior to my biopsy.  I  have to go in for a covid test today,  that'll be fun.

ENT said the biopsy is to confirm which cancer it is, so that will be the next waiting game.  Although fair play to my local NHS, they have been super quick with appointments considering the present covid situation. 

Following your reply I have put my brother on standby as my personal hospital chauffeur service.  Thought about taxi and hospital transport,  but sadly they have covid written all over them... especially being in a very high risk area.

Thank you again Chloe, your answers have been very helpful.   I wish you good luck with your diagnosis.  Please do keep me updated with your journey. 

Al x